Miami Children’s Museum Gala 2011

Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) delighted more than 500 attendees with an evening of food, fun and entertainment, that featured a concert by the exciting Village People, and a spirited auction that helped successfully raise more than $1 Million for the Museum’s programming!

The event was chaired by Gisela and Diego Lowenstein along with MCM Chairman of the Board Jeff Berkowitz. Major sponsors of the event included Berkowitz Development, MasterCard, Miami Heat Charitable Fund, Gloria Martin and Alan Potamkin and Dr. Brigitt Rok.

Guests of the annual Be A Kid Again 2011 Gala were treated with the theme “It’s Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood.” Attendees strolled through the Museum’s many permanent galleries and even took in the newest special interactive attraction: The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD. All the while they were treated to the delicious creations of Chef David Schwadron.

Then everyone moved outside into the Big Tent, which featured a fun disco designed theme by So Cool Events, and were delighted with sweet concoctions by chefs from the Ritz Carlton, Bourbon Steak, Kati Cake World, Alisa’s Painted Bistro, Rococoa and Chef David’s Catering. Through the generosity of Moet Chandon, major benefactors celebrated in the Moet Chandon VIP Lounge, where magnums of champagne were available at each table.

A spirited live auction followed, emceed by Jeff Berkowitz and Tracey Mourning featuring a wide variety of priceless items such as: 7 ft. Pink snails from Art Basel custom painted by Romero Britto and Jemal Wright; a 78 carat pink sapphire bracelet with diamond closure designed by Jeffrey Rackover; a 7 day escape for 8 on Luxury 100 ft. yacht from M/Y Cocktails and a surprise second yacht excursion aboard the 112’ Symphony II. There was also a silent auction with more than 125 unique and exciting items.

The fun didn’t end there as popular performers the Village People entertained everyone until the wee hours of the morning. They delighted the crowd with their unforgettable hits such as “Macho Man,” “YMCA” and “In the Navy.” These six talented men combined energetic choreography with outrageous fun and lots of singing and dancing to provide great entertainment for all!

Among the more than 500 attendees for the festivities were: Jeff and Yolanda Berkowitz, Gisela and Diego Lowenstein, Richard and Susan Lampen, Alan Potamkin and Dr. Brigitt Rok, Ugo & Sara Columbo, Former Senator Paul Steinberg & Mrs. Sandy Steinberg, , Mayoral Candidate Carlos Giminez and Miami Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, Miami Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, Former Mayor of the City of Miami, Manny Diaz, Sanford Ziff, Bob and Michelle Diener, Adrienne Pardo, Wayne and Leslie Pathman, Tracey Mourning, , Jeff and Lisa Schejola Akin.Tina & Dan Carlo, Claudia Potamkin, Mark & Melinda Sinnerich, Marty & Cricket Taplin.

For more information about Miami Children’s Museum call: (305)373-KIDS (5437) or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.